King Charles promotes US-UK bond before Congress at a time of deep divisions

Britain’s King Charles told the US Congress on Tuesday that despite an ⁠age of uncertainty and conflict in Europe and the Middle East, the UK and the US would ⁠always be staunch allies united in defending democracy, at a time of deep divisions between the two long-time allies over the war with Iran.

“Whatever our differences, whatever disagreements we may have, we stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy, to protect all our people from harm, and to salute the courage of those who daily risk their lives in the service of our countries,” Charles told US lawmakers during a rare speech to a joint meeting of the Senate and House of Representatives, and after a prolonged standing ovation at his entrance with Queen Camilla.

In a speech that Buckingham Palace said beforehand would not be political, Charles also made references to US President Donald Trump’s criticism of Nato, ‌highlighted the importance of continued US help for Ukraine in its war with Russia, the dangers of isolationism, and even a call for the safeguarding of nature, an important issue to the king for most of his life.

Trump has been highly critical of Nato and European allies, most recently over their reluctance to provide military help in the US-Israeli war against Iran. Trump has also been ambivalent about prolonged US financial and military aid to Ukraine.

Charles referred to the September 11 attacks, saying: “we answered the call together, as our people have done so for more than a century, shoulder to shoulder through two world wars, the Cold War, Afghanistan and moments that have defined our shared security today. Mr Speaker, that same unyielding resolve is needed for the defence of Ukraine, and her most courageous people”.

Later, at a state banquet at the White House, Trump said that Charles did not want Iran to have a nuclear weapon, a statement the king did not comment on.